Penguins have Rangers on Brink
Despite the last two disastrous showings, the NHL betting lines still tout the New York Rangers as the favorites as they now host the Pittsburgh Penguins. Game 5 is a “do-or-die” for the Rangers as they stare at a 3-1 hole with Igor Shesterkin returning to the net. This team cannot afford any more mistakes so backers better buckle up.
Let’s check the latest NHL lines, stats, injury reports, and NHL odds for Penguins vs Rangers. We’ve plenty of NHL picks and predictions.
Penguins Can’t Be Stopped
This is why we can take regular-season records and throw it out the window when the Stanley Cup playoffs begin. The Penguins have outplayed the Rangers thanks to better two-way play. Pittsburgh was getting stoned by Igor Shesterkin early in the series but once the Penguins broke him down, the goals kept flowing.
Maybe it was only a matter of time as Pittsburgh has put up 172 shots and 154 scoring chances at even strength, both of which are the most by any team in the playoffs. At the other end, Louis Domingue has come through even if he is just posting a 90.6 save percentage.
Pittsburgh is on a roll. This is a more experienced team that can get it done on both ends of the floor. It’s hard to see this changing and it would take a collapse from Domingue and the special teams for Pittsburgh to crack.
Do Rangers Have Another Gear?
Heading into the postseason, the New York Rangers had the advantage in net against any conference opponent other than Tampa Bay. But, after a pair of games in Pittsburgh, Igor Shesterkin is on shaky ground. The Rangers will still roll with ther Vezina Trophy-worthy goaltender. Anything less than the Shesterkin from Games 1 and 2 and the team’s season is toast.
Igor Shesterkin has allowed 10 goals over the past 3 periods he’s played in.
Something about New York and regular season goalies……pic.twitter.com/2Qw4TDgpsS
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 10, 2022
History is on the side of Shesterkin and the Rangers as the 26-year-old plays much better when in friendly territory, as his first two games showed. If Shesterkin is on his game, the Rangers will be able to outlast the Penguins.
New York still has a penchant for winning despite getting outshot and outchanced. But to be worth betting online, the Rangers will need to kick it up a notch. The power play could be a source of offense as the team figures to end its cold streak (0-for-4) in Pittsburgh.
Penguins vs Rangers Head-to-Head
Despite being down 3-1, the oddsmakers still have the New York Rangers coming back to win the series at +475 on the online sportsbook. It is possible as this franchise has done it twice in 2014 and 2015, and one of those came against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Penguins vs Rangers Game Information
- Game: Penguins (49-26-11) vs Rangers (53-26-7)
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City
- Day/Time: Wednesday, May 11, 7 p.m. ET
- Penguins vs Rangers Live Stream: NHL.TV
Penguins vs Rangers Betting Lines
Penguins vs Rangers Prediction
We like the New York Rangers to fight off elimination in Game 5. Expect Shesterkin to recapture his top form as he limits the Pittsburgh Penguins’ scoring. With that said, there is no fixing the porous Rangers defense. This team just bleeds scoring chances due to their high-flying style of play, so expect Pittsburgh to still pot in a few goals.
The bet we like is the total at over six. We expect the Penguins to score at least a pair of goals. On the other end, the Rangers will be lighting up Louis Domingue. All four games in this series have gone over as well as five of the seven games they’ve played this season.
